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Scottish food exports rose to a record £1.1 billion in value terms last year, helped by strong growth in fish and seafood sales, official figures show.

The figures, released by HM Revenue and Customs, show total food and drink exports in 2014 were valued at £5.1 billion, with food exports up 3.5 per cent - £38 million – to £613 million last year.

However the value of drink exports dipped to £4 billion, down from £4.2 billion in 2013.

The USA remained the top international destination for Scottish food and drink produce in 2014, with exports worth £800 million followed by France, with exports of £734 million.

Spain also entered the top three export destinations for Scottish food and drink for the first time last year with exports valued at £247 million, followed by Germany at £208 million and Singapore at £202 million.

Food exports to China rose 82 per cent last year to £46 million on a 92 per cent increase in exports of fish and seafood.

Meat exports to China were £1.4 million following the lifting of an import ban on British pork.

Commenting on the figures, Food and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead, said: “These figures are extremely encouraging, particularly long-term, and reflective of the fantastic produce we have to offer here in Scotland.

"We are now seeing a rise in the popularity of Scottish produce in emerging markets - in China, for example, we've witnessed a massive increase of 82 per cent in food exports, with overall value now up to £46 million, evidence that the Chinese appreciate great Scottish seafood and meat.

“Our fish and seafood exports have soared, with sales hitting £613 million - up 6.6 per cent on 2013 - due to an increase in exports to Asia and Oceania, the EU and sub-Saharan Africa.

“It's especially important to highlight this achievement during the Year of Food and Drink.

“We have a wonderful natural larder that lends itself to some of the best produce in the world and we have some extremely hard-working farmers, producers and processors who deserve the recognition that comes with their products being in demand all across the globe.”